Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026

An Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy Designed to Minimize Anastomotic Complications and Optimize Conduit Function
Published on: April 17, 2020
Fast-track rehabilitation program and conventional care after esophagectomy: a retrospective controlled cohort study
Shouqiang Cao1, Guibin Zhao, Jian Cui
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
Purpose:
The purpose of this article is to evaluate fast-track rehabilitation program and conventional care after esophagectomy using a retrospective controlled cohort study in esophageal cancer patients.
Methods:
Fifty-five patients underwent fast-track rehabilitation program and 57 patients underwent conventional care after esophagectomy. Fast-track rehabilitation program was performed to patients who have early movement, epidural analgesia control, fluid infusion volume control and enteral nutrition for early discharge. The other 57 patients underwent conventional care after esophagectomy. The average of hospital stay and complications were calculated in the patients between the two groups.
Results:
The median length of hospital stay in the patients was significantly shorter after fast-track rehabilitation program than after conventional care (7.7 vs 14.8 day, P < 0.01). The percentage of patients who developed complications was significantly lower 30 day after fast-track rehabilitation program than after conventional care (29.1 vs 47.4%, P < 0.05). 87.3% in patients of the fast-track rehabilitation program group and 54.4% in those of the conventional care group reported excellent to very good satisfaction with their pain control (P = 0.000).
Conclusions:
The fast-track rehabilitation program results in fewer complications, less postoperative pain, a reduction in the hospital length of stay, and quicker return to work and normal activities after esophagectomy.
Related Concept Videos
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure entails...
Esophageal Achalasia
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Endoscopic Procedures I: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy
During an EGD, the endoscope can be used to: